Döttling Colosimo

A watch winder for the security conscious, German company Döttling’s Colosimo is a seriously secure piece of kit. The smallest high-security safe in the world (and the first tabletop safe from Döttling), the Colosimo’s design is inspired by the colossal vaults found in American banks during the Prohibition.

A three-digit personal code opens the door, revealing the safe’s striking inner workings. Packing a smoothly functioning, intricate locking mechanism, the Colosimo is secured by 16 radial, specially hardened locking bolts and 32 gold-plated precision gearwheels — just as masterfully crafted as the inner workings of a fine clock. In fact, so complex and sturdy is the technology of the mechanical locking mechanism, the term “haute safeology” has been used to describe the Colosimo.

Döttling produces a number of special editions of the Colosimo, including an eye-catching Christian Louboutin-inspired version called ‘The Spike’. But whichever variant you go for, naturally, the Colosimo is entirely customisable, with any number of interior finishes available — from high-tech gleaming carbon fibre to the refined comfort of the finest calfskin. And for those who prefer cigars to watches, there is also an option to swap out the Döttling precision watch winder for a cedar wood humidor insert and integrated air humidifier.

Kunstwinder Oil Baron

Thought you knew what a watch winder looks like? Think again. The Oil Baron, made by American company Kunstwinder, is inspired, much as the name suggests, by the famous horse head liquid pump used to extract crude oil. Available in either nickel or gold, the Oil Baron is a piece of art in its own right, and comes alive when the intricate mechanical movement cranks into operation.

Powered by a mains-operated, silent, precise and highly reliable Swiss motor, the Oil Baron comes pre-programmed with 24 available winding modes, to ensure your timepieces are kept in smooth running order and don’t become overwound. While most watches typically need between 900 and 1,100 turns per day, the Oil Baron can reach a maximum of 1,600 turns, meaning even the most power-hungry watch will be well wound.

The Oil Baron has a capacity for two watches, which are mounted on adjustable springs that are lined with protective rubber to prevent scratching, so it can accommodate any size of watch securely. A stunning piece of mechanical engineering and a definite conversation starter, the entire winder is covered with a rounded glass dome, so its beauty is always on show for all to see.  

Buben & Zorweg Phantom

When it comes to watch winders and safes, very few brands even come close to German company Buben & Zorweg. With more than 20 years of experience of making some of the finest safes, which usually include all manner of handy gadgets such as humidors, sound systems and, of course, watch winders to keep their clients’ collection running smoothly, they are the go-to brand for the serious collector.

The brand’s Phantom watch winder is a piece of craftsmanship as fine as the watches it is designed to accommodate. The winder features a 5mm-thick aluminium case, inlaid with a choice of either high-tech carbon fibre or high-polished Makassar ebony. The interior is appointed with the finest Italian nappa leather. There’s also a state-of-the-art LED lighting system with a fading function and an optional presentation column, so your timepieces are always looking their best, while a hard-wearing German lock keeps your collection secure. 

Available with a capacity of either four or eight timepieces, the Phantom runs the company’s Time Mover system, which uses a specially developed, super-quiet, mains-powered motor that winds each watch in phases, easing tension on the movements while keeping the drive torque constant.